| * | Bereishit / Summary: Picking up directly from where last week's portion ends, Benjamin stands before Joseph accused of the theft of a chalice. In a very moving plea on behalf of his youngest brother, Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin, so that Jacob should not be bereft of both of his two youngest sons, the only sons of his beloved Rachel. Moved by this act of selflessness, Joseph clears the room and emotionally reveals himself to his brothers. He alleviates their guilt over their past actions by revealing God's hand in all that has happened. Joseph arranges for the entire family to be reunited under his protection in Egypt. The brothers are provided with generous provisions and sent back to Canaan to tell Jacob about Joseph. Jacob decides he must go see his lost son immediately, and he and his entire family, a total of 70 people. along with all their livestock and possessions, go down to Egypt, where Jacob and Joseph are reunited after 22 years. Jacob and some of his sons are introduced to Pharaoh, who settles the family in the Egyptian region of Goshen. The portion concludes with a review of the story of Joseph's experience in Egypt. |